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32nd Michigan City Adds LGBT Non-discrimination Protections

Lathrup Village becomes 32nd municipality in Michigan to modernize their Non-discrimination Ordinance

February 25, 2014 —Last night the Lathrup City Council voted unanimously to modernize their non-discrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making them the 32nd municipality in Michigan to do so.

“We applaud the Lathrup Village City Council for their leadership and commitment to freedom and opportunity,” said Jared Volz, of the Unity Michigan coalition. “This ordinance ensures that all hardworking people in Lathrup Village, including gay and transgender people, have a chance to earn a living for themselves and their families.”

Right now in Michigan, it’s perfectly legal to be fired just for being gay. Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination based on race, religion, height, weight, and many more classifications, but not for sexual orientation or gender identity. So local officials across Michigan are taking action, and the momentum is staggering.

Just last year 10 other municipalities adopted similar ordinances and the Michigan Municipal League endorsed LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances. And, according to Unity Michigan, more are on the way.

“When local elected officials realize it’s legal to fire someone just for being gay, and that they have the authority to address that discrimination in their communities, they are overwhelmingly supportive.” says Volz.

The Unity Michigan Coalition works to ensure that all Michiganders are treated fairly by advancing non-discrimination policies. www.unitymichigan.orgThe Unity Michigan Coalition includes the ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, Equality Michigan, the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, KICK, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ruth Ellis Center.